Wireless Ethernet Adapter

Most notebook models nowadays have this incorporated as a chipset on the mainboard, but, if you are the unlucky owner of an older model, you can get a USB or PCMCIA wireless Ethernet adapter. Alternatively, for desktop computers, such adapters can be integrated in a PCI bus slot.

Like any other device, getting a PCMCIA Ethernet wireless adapter has its advantages and disadvantages over USB. Most likely, your desktop computer doesn't have a PCMCIA slot so, if you break, want to sell or decide not to use your laptop any longer, you will have no use for the card. On the other hand, if you use an old laptop that only comes with USB 1.1 ports, then using a PCMCIA wireless Ethernet adapter will provide much higher transfer rates.  

However, using a USB Ethernet wireless adapter can be tricky. Since it is an external device, there is the chance of losing it or having it stolen, if you carry it together with your laptop all the time. It can even break during careless maneuvering (if the USB ports are on the right side of the notebook, you can hit, for example, your coffee mug, or whatever you keep on that side).  

This cannot happen with the PCMCIA Ethernet wireless adapter: it is internal, so no there are no handling issues, and you don't have to remove it every time you turn off your laptop and put it in your bag.

Wireless Ethernet Adapter 

With the huge offer of wireless Ethernet adapter options (referred to by some people as a wireless Ethernet bridge) on the market today, it's sometimes hard to pick the right one. Don't simply go for the first nice offer you run across, as you might get burned.  

When purchasing a wireless Ethernet bridge, remember to read reviews and ask around for people who have already used it. User testimonials will always help you in choosing whether that model suits your needs or not.

For example, there are models on the market that simply won't rise up to the capacities of a regular connection over cable. If given the choice, try to run a test: download a heavily compressed, large file using both a regular, Cat 5 cable connection and using an wireless Ethernet bridge, and monitor the results.

You will find that cheap adapters and bridges usually provide top transfer rates in the range of 11 Mbps, which is way below a regular, Cat-5 switch can do. In other words, if you need both wireless connection and top transfer speeds, don't go for inexpensive wireless Ethernet adapters. 

If you're interested in more background information on Ethernet, check out the 'What is Ethernet' page.

Associated Sites : Network USB Hubs  Cat5 Splitters